Hey there, I know, it's really short, and it's not much but I wanted to get it out there. Some things needed to be cleared up and I hope there's something that'll make everyone happy here... *hint hint* anyways, the next one will be longer, I promise. Stay tuned and don't forget to look at my tumblr. (link on my profile)

Third Person's Point of View

Merlin blinked owlishly as Arthur cleared his throat, peering down at his half-eaten bowl of soup. "So, this means I can come back?"

Arthur nodded, picking lazily at his own meal. "Yes, and as soon as it's possible, the laws will be changed. I can't promise things will be as they were before the purge, things will be different. More controlled, monitored."

Merlin nodded all too eagerly, only able to see the bright side of things. He was going to return to Camelot, to Gaius, to his home. Magic would no longer be outlawed, and no longer would he have to hide who and what he truly was. It was more than he could have ever hoped for.

"Of course. Arthur, this is amazing. I don't know what to say."

"Yes, well, you don't have to say anything." he murmured, blushing at Merlin's praise.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Gwen murmured, absently brushing her horse's flank. Arthur and Merlin had disappeared into the house nearly an hour ago, to discuss 'important matters'.

Morgana shrugged, running a comb through her mare's tail. "I don't know." she said, somewhat distractedly.

Her tone of voice must have puzzled Gwen, who came to her side and touched her arm. "Are you alright?" She flinched away, wincing as a hurt look flashed over her friend's face.

She attempted a smile. "I'm fine. Thank you." Morgana felt badly for the way she was acting, but the remnants of her near death experience lingered. She felt ready to crawl out of her skin, and as the days passed her nervousness increased. They would be leaving soon, and sh had yet to experience what life truly was without Arthur by her side. Or Gwen for that matter. She was terrified of facing her ever approaching newly-realized reality.

Guinevere, though not convinced, nodded. She turned her attention back to the house. "Should I go check on them perhaps?" Yet just as she stepped towards it the door opened and Arthur stepped outside, playfully bumping his shoulder against Merlin's.

Relieved, she started towards them, taking Arthur's hand. Morgana watched as he looked down on her affectionately, and the two laughed at something Merlin said. She thought, with some sadness, that this was the happiest she could remember seeing the three of them.

She smiled as Merlin came towards her, grinning. "Morgana."

"Merlin. How was your talk with Arthur?"

"Wonderful, actually. He says I'm welcome to return to Camelot, he's even going to lift the ban soon."

Caught off guard, she allowed herself to be pulled into a hug, her arms draped loosely around his shoulders. He pulled back abruptly, eyes wide. "Sorry, I think the fresh air is getting to me."

She laughed, brushing a stray hair from her braid away. "It's alright."

There was a pregnant pause and she brushed a hand over the skirt of the gown Hunith had lent her, fidgeting. "Merlin, I wanted to thank you."

He seemed surprised.

"You saved me from the pyre, exposed yourself. I know Arthur has forgiven you, but it was a great risk. You didn't have to do such a thing for me."

"Yes. I did." his expression was firm. He took her hand, squeezing her fingers tight. "I would do it again."

"Truly?"

"Truly. You mean, you mean a lot to me Morgana. I regret hurting you more than anything. I wish there was something I could do to show you how sorry I really am." He looked down, ashamed.

For a moment she allowed the grudges and resentment to slip from her mind and touched his chin with her finger, tilting his head to look into her eyes. "Time." she murmured. "Time makes all the difference."

Later that day Morgana stood solemnly beside Hunith as the trio prepared their horses for the journey back to Camelot. Tension ran among them, thick and nearly tangible. Merlin's gaze continually flickered to and from Morgana, watching as she clasped her hands at her waist and watched Arthur and Gwen beside him.

He was surprised, and somewhat puzzled that she hadn't come to bid him her goodbyes yet. Their moment earlier by the horses had seemed so significant, and now she was utterly aloof. He wanted to speak with her, to demand of her why she was acting so strangely.

He glanced at Arthur who was preoccupied speaking with Guinevere, oblivious to his inner conflict. His mother caught his eye and tipped her chin at Morgana, nodding encouragingly.

Morgana stared into the woods as he walked towards her, biting her lip between her teeth. He cleared his throat and she jumped, eyes wide as she looked up at him. "Merlin?"

"Morgana. Can we talk?" he gestured to the house. Her brows furrowed but she nodded, stepping uncertainly from Hunith's side.

His home was quiet, the only sound coming from the snap of the fire. She turned, hands clenching around her skirts. "Is something wrong?"

He sighed. "I just wanted to say my goodbyes."

Her lips quirked, a ghost of a smile. "I see. And we couldn't have said our farewells outside? Among everyone?"

"No." he stepped closer, cheeks flushed. Even with his head bowed, chin near to his chest, he stood taller than her, looking down on her head of dark curls. She looked up, her blue green eyes wide as his hands rose to touch her face.

"The day I arrived in Camelot, I walked in on you." she frowned. "You thought I was Gwen, and I let you because while you jabbered on about Arthur and your dress I couldn't stop thinking about how you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen." she blushed.

Morgana had been told her whole life how beautiful she was, how her hair gleamed, her eyes shone, and her skin looked like fresh cream. They were niceties, things said to flatter her that she expected to hear. But in that moment, looking into Merlin's eyes, she believed he meant it more than anyone ever had before.

His thumbs stroked her cheeks and she tilted her head, his lips coming down upon hers. Tentative, unsure of himself, he pulled back, eyes fluttering. She smiled up from beneath her lashes, her hands reaching to bring his face close. "One day, I will forgive you."

His arms dropped to encircle her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her lips were soft and supple as they moved against his, greedily, hungrily. She'd never wanted someone so desperately as she wanted him, her body hummed with the magic she held beneath her skin, calling out to his.

She emerged from the house first, lips swollen, face flushed. She scurried to Hunith's side, thankful to see Arthur was still distracted by Gwen. Merlin hurried to his mount, concealing his smile with a poorly attempted frown.

He checked the stirrups and swung into the saddle, clearing his throat to gain the attention of his companions. Arthur snapped to attention, handing his reins off to Gwen. He walked to Hunith and his sister. Morgana frowned, they'd already said their goodbyes. He pulled her into a tight, unexpected embrace. "I will see you soon sister, I swear it." he pulled back with a smile. "And one day, I will see you in the halls of Camelot once more."

His voice was firm, filled with conviction. She couldn't help but believe. She nodded and hugged him once more, releasing him with a teary smile. Hunith bit her lip beside her, her fingers tentatively reaching for her.

She looked over, startled, to see the sorrow in Hunith's eyes as she held out a shaking hand. Hesitantly, Morgana took it. Hunith squeezed it fiercely, smiling down at her new ward.

They looked back as the group of three disappeared into the tree line, the drumming of their horses hooves fading away. For a moment Morgana stood watching the spot where she had last seen them, her fingers tenderly brushing her bruised lips.